A New Identity - Part 1

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Message

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

For the Introduction to the book of Ephesians, click: HERE

“A New Identity—Part 1”
Ephesians 1:3-4

Series Introduction: Time Line:
Around 5 AD - Paul is Born
Around 30 AD - Jesus is Executed
Around 34-36 AD - Paul’s Conversion
Between 49-50 AD - Birth of Church at Ephesus
Around 52-55 AD - Paul Stays in Ephesus for 3 Yrs
Between 60-62 AD - Paul Writes Letter to Church at Ephesus
Between 67-68 AD - Paul is Executed by Nero
Around 95 AD - John Writes Letter for Jesus to the Church at Ephesus

Breakdown of Ephesians:

Chapters 1-3             Chapters 4-6
Positionally:  In Christ      Practically:  For Christ
Spiritual Wealth             Spiritual Walk
Discoveries of the Faith      Demonstrations of the Faith
Doctrine of Christ            Devotion to Christ
Christian Privileges          Christian Responsibilities

Introduction: Many scholars have written that Ephesians 1:3-14 are some of the most powerful verses in the entire Bible. They clearly describe who we are “in Christ” and the new identity in which we can now live. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“People today are greatly concerned about their identity, life purpose, and self-worth.
Consequently there are many books, articles, journals, and seminars that attempt to bring answers to these longings. 

But because God and His Word
are not considered in most such attempts,
the only source for finding the truth is eliminated,
and thus people inevitably are led back
to themselves for the answers.”

Possible Identities As Relating To God:

1)  Shame-based Identity
“I am hopeless and cannot be accepted by God.”

2)  Performance-based Identity
“I must do certain things for God to approve of me and keep approving of me.”

3)  Christ-based Identity
“If I have a Christ-based identity there is nothing I have done in the past that could keep God from accepting me for I am in Him and there is nothing I can do on my own to get God to approve of me for I am in Him.”

He Has Given Us—We Have Spiritual Blessings (Ephesians 1:3)

• “every”  has not withheld (Colossians 2:9-10a) (Genesis 3:1-5)
• “heavenly places” not of this world  (James 1:17)  (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
• “in Christ” provided by Christ

He Has Chosen Us—We Have a Destiny (1:4)

• “in Him” provided by Christ
• “before the foundation of the world” not an afterthought (Romans 8:29a)

Human Responsibility:  (Romans 10:11-13)

Divine Sovereignty (Ephesians 1:3-5)

• “be holy” living in this new reality before God
• “without blame” living in this new reality before others
• “in love” by relationship not religious observance

Application: Identity is the evaluation of self or the individual characteristics from which a person thinks or operates. Where do you find your identity: in shame, in performance, or in Him (Christ)? 

The verse that best describes our identity in Christ is:

“I have been crucified with Christ;
it is no longer I who live,
but Christ lives in me;
and the life which I now live in the flesh
I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  (Galatians 2:20) 

Does this describe your identity?

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We're Hiring!

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Student Ministry Associate to join our staff. 
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VBS 2025 - Live It Out!

July 13-17—9:00-12:30
3 years-5th Grade
This week will undoubtedly be your child’s favorite and most impactful week of summer! Free!
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PCC 101

11:00 am—May 4—Room 1
Connecting people into the life of our church. Come find out who we are; what we are about; and how YOU can be a part of it!

Senior Adults

May 13—6:00pm—Legacy Suite
Join us for a cookout, fellowship, and to hear from Jason Ballard about the many ministries of the Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association.

Great Date

5:00-8:30 pm—May 10
An intentional date experience with your spouse! We offer free childcare and talking points with fun and directional questions.
To Register by 5/7, click: HERE

Right Now Media

Right Now Media is an extensive, faith-based video library you can access (completely FREE) whenever and wherever you want—on your phone, tablet, computer, or at home on your TV.

To sign up, click: HERE 

Clubhouse Kids Ministry

To view Clubhouse Resources which include: Worship Experiences (Bible Story), Godtime Cards, and Parent Guides: Click HERE

warehouse247 Student Ministry

Wednesday 5:30-7:45pm.  A Worship Gathering just for middle and high school students.  Cafe/Games/Worship/Teaching

Adult Connect Groups

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to be a part of connecting with the Pleasant City Church family! We offer Connect Groups on Sundays & Wednesdays to help grow our faith.
To learn more or to join a group, click: HERE